Peter William Schaafsma

SCHAAFSMA, Peter William 62, Born September 23, 1951 passed away peacefully on September 15, 2014 after a brief encounter with esophageal cancer. Peter attended Awalt HS in Mt. View, CA where he was an All American water polo player. He received his BA in geography from UC Berkeley in 1973 and his MBA from Stanford University in 1976. In 1976 Peter moved to Sacramento where he began his successful career with the California State Legislature. He also served under State Treasurer, Matt Fong, as Director of the California Debt Advisory Commission. He retired as the Chief Budget Adviser to Assembly Republicans in 2010. Upon retiring, he, along with two former colleagues, formed Capitol Matrix Consulting. Peter married his loving wife, Sandy in 1976. Together they had two children, Willem and Sarah. Peter cherished his family and the time they spent at the College Greens Swim Club. Family vacations were spent camping in their VW bus and visiting family. Peter had many hobbies. In his college years he was an avid backpacker. His most notable trek was a month-long endeavor hiking the John Muir trail. Throughout his life he continued to swim and exercise regularly. He was always with a camera, always cooking and was known for his home-made pasta. He delighted in wineries and breweries. He read constantly. Peter was fortunate to travel throughout the world. Peter and Sandy visited many wonderful destinations, but their favorite trips were the family trips to Pismo Beach and yearly visits to Mexico. Peter's most enduring passion was playing guitar. He taught himself to play as a teenager and continued to do so throughout his life. He also collected guitars and wrote and sang songs. In 2010 Peter and Sandy moved to Sun City, Lincoln Hills. Soon he realized his dream of playing, singing and recording on a weekly basis with his guitar buddies in Auburn. He also spent many hours each week playing table tennis in Sun City. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Willem and Helen Jeanne. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Willem and daughter, Sarah; daughter-in-law, Samantha and grandson, Jacob Peter. He is also survived by his sister, Susan, brothers Phillip and David, brothers and sisters-in law; nephews and nieces and a loving circle of friends and colleagues. Peter requested that anyone wishing to honor his memory make a donation to the Julianne Marie Huerta Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Guardian Scholars Program at Sacramento State University. Peter was instrumental in establishing this fund in honor of Julianne, who lost her long battle with breast cancer. Peter was a most kind, loving and caring man. He will forever be missed by all who knew him. A private celebration of life will be held on September 28, 2014.